Calling all BLEACH fans! Matte Black Coffee’s collaboration with VIZ Media for BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War is only in Los Angeles, CA, until August 12th. This activation offers photo ops, gifts (while supplies last), exclusive merch, and a menu inspired by our favorite hero, Ichigo Kurosaki!
About Matte Black Coffee
At Matte Black Coffee, guests get immersed in a 2D black-and-white atmosphere created by world-renowned artist Joshua Vides. Vides is well-known for his global brand partnerships and innovative visual experiences. Vides has always loved coffee, so making his permanent space to showcase his art in a coffee shop felt perfect. Matte Black Coffee is a collaboration of three partners. While Vides creates the space, Andy Nguyen and James Malone are the culinary experts behind the menu.
Matte Black Coffee x BLEACH - Photo Ops & Merch
This special collaboration offers a fun photo op inside and outside the shop. Pictured above is their indoor seating area that includes a photo wall with Ichigo Kurosaki, Uryu Ishida, Yhwach, and Jugram Haschwalth.
On the outside, they have Ichigo in his Soul Reaper Shihakushō. They even included BLEACH’s iconic blue and red color scheme on the roof. It was a simple yet effective detail that added even more flare to the design.
If you’re not in the LA area or can’t make it to the shop but still want in on the fun, you can check out Matte Black Coffee’s website to grab their limited edition merch.
Food Review
Did you know Ichigo means “strawberry” in Japanese?
For this experience, they offer four new items in addition to their regular menu. The chocolate and strawberry cream cheese macarons must’ve been a hit because they were all sold out!
Ichigo’s OJ Espresso – 8/10
To start, I ordered Ichigo’s OJ Espresso. This drink consisted of orange juice, simple syrup, and espresso. The thought of mixing OJ and espresso made me nervous; however, after tasting it, I ended up enjoying the sweetness the orange juice provided in contrast to the bitter espresso.
Ichigo’s Strawberry Lemonade – 7/10
As a self-proclaimed lemonade aficionado, I thought this lemonade was good! The fresh strawberry puree at the bottom really sold this drink! It was perfect for a hot summer day. My only wish is that it had more lemon flavor.
TYBW Toast – 8/10
The last thing I tried was the TYBW Toast. It’s a slice of sourdough bread with almond butter, orange marmalade, blueberries, bananas, and honey. I enjoyed the toast and felt it paired nicely with the drinks. It isn’t overly sweet, and the sourdough bread added a tangy flare.
Overall the food was tasty, but what made this experience truly special was seeing how it brought the fandom together. It was fun meeting fellow fans and seeing firsthand the impact BLEACH has on our lives even after all these years!
Matte Black Coffee
8500 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Price: $$
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Looks amazing! I would definitely go if I was in the area.
Very enticing… Sounds delicious and fun
Great Job! I enjoyed reading your article. It was very informative and the food pictures were great. I will be sure to check out Matte Black Coffee when i’m in town.